Aqueduct District developers sought as NCC eyes 16,000-seat events centre
Senators have not released arena plans and say they are not involved in the NCC's expression of interest process.
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The National Capital Commission issued a request for proposals Friday to begin seeking developers for the Aqueduct District, an entertainment and cultural hub surrounding the future Senators home at LeBreton Flats.
NCC planning documents estimate the future venue will hold approximately 16,000 seats. The Senators have not publicly released arena plans, and the final capacity has not been determined. Club president and CEO Cyril Leeder said the team hopes to unveil plans early next year and is working with architects on the arena and surrounding district.
NCC chief executive Tobi Nussbaum wrote in a foreword letter to potential developers that the district will be connected by rapid transit and surrounded by new homes, workplaces, parks and public spaces. He described the future Major Events Centre as bringing thousands of visitors for sporting events, concerts and celebrations.
The Senators said in a statement that they are not involved in the NCC's expression of interest process but are "encouraged to see continued progress on the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats." The club described its vision as "Ottawa's next great gathering place, a vibrant, year-round destination."
The Senators agreed to buy 11 acres at LeBreton Flats for $37 million in August 2025, with an option on four more acres they have not yet decided whether to exercise.
The facts
When did the National Capital Commission issue its request for proposals for the Aqueduct District?
The National Capital Commission issued a request for proposals for developers of the Aqueduct District on October 30, 2026. The district is an entertainment and cultural hub surrounding the future Senators home at LeBreton Flats.
How many seats will the future Senators arena at LeBreton Flats hold?
NCC planning documents estimate that the future Senators arena at LeBreton Flats will hold approximately 16,000 seats. The final capacity has not been determined.
How much did the Senators pay for land at LeBreton Flats?
The Senators agreed to buy 11 acres at LeBreton Flats for $37 million in August 2025. They also hold an option on four more acres that they have not yet decided whether to exercise.
